Interpret Your Urine Specific Gravity Results
Enter your USG value below and get an instant, free AI interpretation — a plain-English explanation checked against WHO/IFCC reference ranges.
Medical Disclaimer
This AI-generated interpretation is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Results may vary based on individual health factors not captured here.
Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any health decisions. Read full disclaimer →
Urine Specific Gravity Normal Ranges
Urine specific gravity (USG) measures the concentration of solutes in urine relative to pure water (specific gravity 1.
| Reference Range | Unit | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1.005 – 1.03 | g/mL | Random specimen; normal range varies with hydration status |
Why Doctors Order the Urine Specific Gravity Test
USG is a simple proxy for urine osmolality and hydration status. Critically ill patients with polyuria (excessive urine output) can be rapidly assessed: USG <1.005 with polyuria suggests central diabetes insipidus (DI), nephrogenic DI, or excessive fluid intake.
How to Enter Your USG Result
Enter your USG value in g/mL, exactly as shown on your lab report.
What a Low or High USG Can Be Associated With
Below the reference range
- Overhydration or excessive fluid intake (diluted urine)
- Diabetes insipidus (central or nephrogenic — inability to concentrate urine)
- Early CKD with impaired tubular concentrating ability
- Psychogenic polydipsia (compulsive water drinking)
- Medications: diuretics, alcohol, lithium (causes nephrogenic DI)
Above the reference range
- Dehydration (most common cause of high USG)
- Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone (SIADH — inappropriately concentrated urine)
- Heart failure, cirrhosis, nephrotic syndrome (decreased effective circulating volume stimulates ADH)
- Glycosuria (glucose increases osmolality — USG rises more than expected from other solutes)
- Proteinuria (heavy protein content raises USG)
These are common associations, not a diagnosis. A single result is read alongside your symptoms, history and other tests — discuss it with your doctor.
What Can Change Your USG Result
Before you read too much into a result, consider whether any of these applied:
- Glucose and protein significantly raise USG above what the kidney's water-handling would predict (glucose: +0.004 per 1 g/dL; protein: +0.003 per 1 g/dL)
- Radiocontrast media massively elevate USG for hours after IV contrast administration
- Dipstick method less accurate than refractometer — does not detect glucose or contrast effects accurately
- Neonates have limited concentrating ability — USG 1.001–1.020 is normal in newborns
Preparing for the test: USG is measured on a fresh random urine sample as part of routine urinalysis. For accurate assessment of concentrating ability, first morning urine (after overnight water restriction) should have USG ≥1.020 in a healthy individual.
Symptoms That Often Prompt USG Testing
- High USG with dehydration: dark urine, thirst, dry mouth, dizziness, reduced urine output
- Low USG with DI: polyuria (3–10+ liters/day), polydipsia (excessive thirst), nocturia
- Isosthenuria with CKD: signs of renal failure (edema, hypertension, fatigue)
- SIADH: hyponatremia symptoms — headache, nausea, confusion, seizures in severe cases
Want the full clinical guide to Urine Specific Gravity?
Reference ranges, causes, symptoms, preparation, and FAQs.